Monitoring weapons and restraints in places of detention: A Practical Guide

Whilst almost anything can be used as a tool of torture or ill-treatment, evidence suggests that such acts are often perpetrated using mass manufactured weapons and restraints such as firearms, less lethal weapons and handcuffs. Monitoring bodies are increasingly starting to recognise the importance of accurate documentation of weapons and restraints in places of detention, and of paying attention to the instruments used to inflict abuse. However this can be a technical area, and several torture prevention bodies, including the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, have requested additional information to support them in their work.

This specialist ESRC funded resource, produced by the University of Exeter and the Omega Research Foundation, and with a foreword by Sir Malcolm Evans, Chair of the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, aims to help answer that call. It comprises:

• ‌‌, a detailed resource which collates standards around the use of firearms, less lethal weapons and restraints in places of detention, and provides checklists of questions to ask and key areas for monitors to observe.
• A one page foldable ‌English, which summarises key points from the Practical Guide and is designed to be easy for monitors to print out and use in places of detention.
  
  
• Versions are currently available in English, French and Spanish.